Some insights into Chinese-sourced dog treats

Concerns about chicken treats sourced from China continue and I’ve come across this comment from Steven E Crane, who was the Manager of Competitive Intelligence for Hill’s (now retired).

In that role, Mr Crane would source competitor’s products and have them tested. He has commented that treats were rarely tested because they were not sold as ‘complete and balanced dog foods’ and that he tested approximately 300 pet food products each year.

In discussing the apparent toxicity issues associated with chicken jerky treats, Mr Crane says, “This problem has been a problem for over ten years. To my knowledge nobody has ever been able to determine exactly what the chemistry involved is that is causing the problem. Much like the melamine and cyanuric acid tainted wheat and rice gluten from 2007. Considering the horrendous toxic contamination issues with both human and pet related food materials from China going back for more than 15 years, I would NEVER use or buy any food materials from China nor permit their use in any food product.

I can remember twenty years ago the rawhide products coming from China that tested hot for arsenic and had sodium concentrations through the roof. If you think about the process it’s no surprise. Most of the hides were baled raw in South America, shipped by slow boat to China, made into rawhide treats and then shipped to the US for sale. Keeping that rotting mess from disintegrating during shipping incurred some inventive ways to treat them – addition of arsenic for example.”

Are you feeding any treats Made in China and does this make you think twice?